Old city Hyderabad- Charminar and Golconda

We know that Hyderabad is our capital. It lies on the either side of Musi River. It is fifth largest city in our country.

Hyderabad was founded in 1591 AD by Mohammed – Quli Qutub Shas. Hyderabad Sucenderabad are separated by Hussain Sagar Lake. They are called twin cities.

Golconda fort

Golconda fort is about 8 kilometers west of Hyderabad. The summit of the hill is called Bala Hissar is about 400 feet above the ground. The name Golconda came from two Telugu words `Golla’ (shepherded) `Konda’ (hill). The fort has three ramparts apart from the fort walls, gateways and bastions there is the citadel on top of the hill. There is under the shadow of the fort a magnificent group of Zenana palaces which are associated with the names of such romantic personalities as Taramati, Premamati, Hyat Bakshi Begum and Bhagmati.

Charminar

The founder of Hyderabad Mohammed Quli-Qutub Shas has built the most attractive building of Hyderabad, Charminar in 1593 AD. It is a magnificent rectangular edifice to granite, built upon four grand arches, facing four sides. Above the arches are two roms. Each side of building me 100 feet, and the pitch of the arches is 50 feet from the ground, while the minarets rise to height of 184 feet. Steps have been built to go to the top of the building.

During the occupation of the Mughal in 1687 AD one of the minarets was struck by lighting and its reconstruction cost Rupees 60,000. In the 1756 the French General M. Bussy and this troop occupied this building.

It is not known why this building was raised. It is believed that an epidemic broke out and many people were killed, but people survived it. In memory of that event Charminar was constructed. The purpose of this monument remained a mystery even today.